Alternative Forms of Employment for Population in Rural Areas as Part of Sustainable Develop Problem: Cognitive Model

The urgency of the problem of rural dwellers’ employment in the context of the task of sustainable development of rural areas is a crucial issue affecting numerous aspects of public life and the economy. Lack of permanent employment with decent pay makes rural residents look for new sources of income outside villages. This article aims at considering alternative employment for the population as the foundation for sustainable development of rural areas, which involves application of various means for data analysis. To achieve the goal, we have conducted a sociological poll among public and government officials at different levels. The results of the polls have been used to make graphic models of certain aspects of the problem. Within the theme of the research, we have performed cognitive modelling, which, among other things, includes the process of finding facts influencing the subject of the study, as well as building and analyzing the cognitive model. The results of the cognitive modelling have shown that factors like “instability” of life conditions, “insufficient qualification of workers”, “loan benefits”, “attracting employers”, and “entrepreneurial activity” are the most functionally important factors for the development of alternative forms of employment in rural areas. We recommend administrative authorities using those factors for strategic planning and supporting managerial decision-making for sustainable development of rural areas.